Veterinary Technology (VTCH)

Courses

VTCH A101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 1 Credit

Introduces the veterinary profession to individuals considering a career in the field. Introduces responsibilities and expectations as well as legal boundaries of a veterinary health care team. Emphasizes the application of professional ethics and laws in veterinary medicine and professional development. Orients students to Mat-Su College resources and tools for student success.

VTCH A102 Veterinary Medical Terminology 1 Credit

Introduces veterinary medical terminology for common clinically recognizable diseases, operations, systems, and procedures, as well as common medical abbreviations and colloquial vocabulary.

VTCH A110 Medical Calculations for Veterinary Technicians 1 Credit

Emphasizes mathematical fundamentals necessary for a veterinary technician to work as a successful member of a veterinary team. Reviews basic mathematical functions and applies them to medical calculations clinically important to veterinary technicians. Focuses on medical calculations: dosages, drip rates, concentrations, and other drug administration information.

Prerequisites:VTCH A101 with a minimum grade of C and VTCH A102 with a minimum grade of C.

Develops skills veterinary practices utilize in a modern veterinary facility. Instruction will include but is not limited to: developing good public, client and staff relations; front office procedures; client services and education; breed and species identification and considerations; and personal grooming and professional attire. Emphasizes professional development and application of ethics and law in veterinary medicine.

Prerequisites:VTCH A101 with a minimum grade of C and VTCH A102 with a minimum grade of C.

VTCH A112 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 3 Credits

Covers the fundamentals of domestic animal anatomy and physiology using a systems approach with a focus on anatomical structures of clinical importance to veterinary technicians.

Prerequisites:VTCH A101 with a minimum grade of C and VTCH A102 with a minimum grade of C.

Applies a hands-on approach to learning the fundamentals of domestic animal anatomy and physiology by major organ system utilizing dissection specimens, models, experiments, and other laboratory tools and supplies as needed. Focuses on anatomical structures of clinical importance to veterinary technicians.

Prerequisites:VTCH A101 with a minimum grade of C and VTCH A102 with a minimum grade of C.

Develops pharmaceutical skills and knowledge of common drugs and medications veterinary technicians use in the modern veterinary facility. Emphasizes classes of drugs, their use, potential side effects and contraindications, calculation of drug dosages, and administration and dispensation of drugs and medications. Discusses legal issues and record keeping.

Provides guided learning experience in a veterinary clinical setting. Applies veterinary technology theory and skills acquired during the first year of VTCH courses. Special Note: Requires 45 hours of work experience for each credit (135 approved hours).

Expands on principles of learning theory and behavior modification techniques. Describes inappropriate elimination, disruptive behavior, separation anxiety, fear, and aggression in dogs and cats and situational and behavioral modifications used for addressing those problems. Discusses pharmacotherapy as an adjunct for behavior modification.

Discusses common laboratory and exotic animal species and their unique husbandry issues, handling and restraining, gender determination, reproduction, nutrition, common diseases, and clinical and surgical procedures.

Emphasizes professionalism, critical thinking tools, interpersonal skills and professional ethics for success as a veterinary technician. Teaches resume writing and job interviewing techniques. Explores career options, professional development opportunities, and current and projected trends in veterinary technology.